Why ‘new’ social movements are called ‘new’? Write it’s features in brief

Why ‘new’ social movements are called ‘new’? Write it’s features in brief

“New” social movements are termed as such to distinguish them from earlier forms of collective action, particularly those associated with industrialization and class-based struggles.

These movements emerged primarily in Western societies during the latter half of the 20th century but have since spread globally. Here are some key features of “new” social movements:

1. Postmaterialist Values: Unlike traditional labor or class-based movements focused on material concerns like wages and working conditions, new social movements prioritize postmaterialist values such as quality of life, environmental sustainability, human rights, and identity politics.
2. Identity and Diversity: New social movements often revolve around issues of identity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, and culture. They emphasize the recognition and validation of diverse social identities and seek to challenge forms of discrimination, oppression, and marginalization.
3. Decentralized and Horizontal Organization: Rather than hierarchical structures typical of older movements, new social movements tend to be decentralized, with fluid and flexible networks of activists. They often employ horizontal decision-making processes and participatory democracy, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment.
4. Lifestyle Politics: New social movements extend their activism beyond formal political institutions to encompass everyday life and personal choices. They advocate for lifestyle changes, consumer activism, and alternative forms of social organization, promoting sustainable living, ethical consumption, and community-based initiatives.
5. Global and Transnational Connections: New social movements are increasingly interconnected on a global scale, forming transnational networks and alliances. They address global issues such as environmental degradation, economic globalization, human rights abuses, and social justice, mobilizing solidarity and collective action across borders.
6. Media and Technology: New social movements harness media and digital technologies to mobilize, communicate, and organize their activities. They utilize social media platforms, online petitions, digital storytelling, and citizen journalism to amplify their messages, coordinate protests, and challenge dominant narratives.
7. Cultural and Symbolic Resistance: New social movements employ cultural forms of resistance, including art, music, performance, and symbolic actions, to challenge hegemonic power structures and create alternative visions of society. They use cultural symbols, narratives, and rituals to foster solidarity, express dissent, and inspire collective action.
8. Emphasis on Nonviolence and Direct Action: While not universal, many new social movements prioritize nonviolent methods of protest and direct action, drawing inspiration from the principles of civil disobedience, Gandhian satyagraha, and nonviolent resistance. They seek to challenge injustice and provoke social change through peaceful means.

These features distinguish “new” social movements from earlier forms of collective action and reflect broader transformations in society, politics, and culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.